October slipped in suddenly behind September—the first day of a new month and a trip to see my oncologist. Seeing my “rare” NET cancer family on ZOOM was a boost I needed for both body & soul! A surprise visit from my best friend from college made the day even more special! I’m moving slow, but with optimism, I can say, “Onward, October!”
Did you know today is National Name Your Car day (and many other “notables” for October 2nd)? If you’ve spent any time around here, you know I love a good flannel shirt, crisp autumn air, and a great road trip. So, it felt only right that today, my faithful vehicle finally got her official name.
Meet Lady Winnie the Subie.
She’s a beautiful desert khaki Subaru. It’s a color meant for the Ozarks dirt back roads and dusty trails—military-chic, ready for anything, …including being “grounded”. In British tradition, “Winnie” is short for Winifred, which means “peaceful friend.” She’s been my sidekick, along with Finley (Finnie & Winnie?) for 9 1/2 years.
Looking back at the last stretch of road, she has lived up to that name.
Lady Winnie and I have done some incredibly hard miles together. When I went through my cancer treatments, everything in my world had to slow down to a crawl—including my car. She sat, she waited, and she stalled out right alongside me. There were days when the road ahead felt completely shrouded in fog.
But cars, like people, sometimes need a little restoration before the next big journey.
Yesterday, Lady Winnie had to go into the shop for some brand-new wheel bearings. It made me smile, and honestly, it made me reflect. Wheel bearings are what keep a car balanced, stable, and rolling smoothly under heavy pressure. Ah, yes, my wheel bearings have recently been changed on ME, TOO!
I feel the weight of the hard seasons and need to embrace the rest. My boots can be laced–if I keep a pace of grace. May strength will return because of Christ in me! Meanwhile, Lady Winnie is sitting in the driveway with a full tank of gas. She is staying “filled up” and ready, standing guard as a physical promise of the adventures to come.
It is a beautiful reminder of how God treats us. When our personal tanks are completely empty, His grace remains completely full. He meets us in the pit stops of life, providing the spiritual “new bearings” we need to find our balance again.
As we step into October, I am intentionally steering my heart in the direction of God.
I am looking forward to autumn adventures with a renewed sense of hope. The golden leaves, the cooler breeze, and the peaceful roads are calling. We might have some outside scars, dings, or dents… but the driver’s seat is secure, and the Navigator knows exactly where we are going.
Welcome to October, my friends. May your tank be overflowing with blessings and peace!
Do you have a name for your ride? How has God filled your tank when your energy was low?
***as I “grasp” the costs of gas and daily living,this verse comes to mind DAILY -“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. BUT TAKE HEART. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Take heart, dear precious friends.
Don’t lose faith, friends. You are loved.
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i’m glad Lady Winnie is all tuned up with the wheel bearings. For being such great vehicles in our lives, we do need to make sure they are being taken good care of so they can take care of us for years to come! Blessings to you this October Karla!
Thank you, Mike! And to you, my friend. She (and I) plan on many more miles! Blessings to you!
So glad you had that morale boost Karla… You are amazing……
Mary
Aww Mary. Thank you! You’re so sweet.
I used to have a little black Skoda that the children named Black Beauty. Then that was replaced by a red one called Ruby. I haven’t named my current one which is white so I’m now inspired by your post to give her a name. Perhaps Snowy after the adventures of TinTin.
I love that, Nicola! And Black Beauty and Ruby, too. Snowy…just perfect!
Your article on the River was so inspiring! I tried to comment~ I’ll keep an eye out to see what I can do. “Let go and let it flow!” God is so good!
I love how you keep Lady Winfred filled with gas and at the ready. Blessing to you, Karla! Your stories are always inspiring and uplifting. Even though you’ve faced many trials, the unexplored trail is still ahead. Hey, that sounded like something you might say!
Hi, my friend! She’s ready to go! I filled my tank this morning with worship and song 🎶. What is so fun is that we (my twin, brother-in-law, and I) are taking our parents on a “tiny” trip today to get them (and me!) out to enjoy the time, drive, and scenery. The “unexplored” road is still ahead~ amen!! Thank you, my friend! God bless you!
Sounds like fun. Now that it is cooling off a bit, adventure awaits!
Now that you have new wheel bearings, I think it’s time to take the Subie for a spin. After all, those new bearings have turned her into a well-oiled fidget spinner. Take her down some backroads and drive through piles of leaves. There’s some sort of adventure out there, waiting for her and you, out on some dirt road, somewhere.
Tippy, that’s a grand idea! I love it! Thank you, dear friend.
Karla, I had not thought about this in years, but I used to have an Avalon that my daughter named Frankie. We never named my next car and I’ve had it for 14 years! It’s bright blue, a car color you rarely see. I’ve always thought there’s no privacy for me. Everyone knows my car and where I am!
Praying every night for you, my sweet friend. May God bless you with strength today and every day (and Finley, too!) 🙏🐾💕🚙
Cindy, this made me giggle (I needed it!). I’ve been trying to write this comment for an hour (I’ve taken a couple of calls, sweet friend). I love the name Frankie! I had a dear friend and former secretary named Frankie.
The color and no privacy–Cindy, that’s funny and cute! I get it!
I feel the prayers and thank YOU! Please know you’re in mine as well. May God bless you and Henry, precious friend. ❤️🐾🫶🏻🥰 You’re such a support and encouragement!
If I have said anything that encourages you, I give all the glory to God. But it also gives me great joy to know it. So thank you, Karla, for sharing it with me. May God strengthen you and make His great love for you known in your heart and soul. Henry and I send our love and prayers to you, sweet friend! 🙏💕🐾
FROM: Murphy’s Law
Karla, I love your cars name. All my cars, over many years, have been named Old Betsy. I no longer have a car, but I like to think that my last Old Betsy is still chauffeuring someone today.
Good to hear you thinking about ventures that you and sweet Miss Finley and Winnie can enjoy together. Autumn gives us a boost after summer’s horrific heat and humidity and before Winter’s freezing temperatures and icy roads.
Sending prayers that your health issues are improving, or at least holding steady, and that your loved ones are doing well.
Hugs to Fin, along with belly rubs. Take care of YOU Karla.
Love, Ginger🦋💖🦓🙏🏻
Ginger, I love the name Old Betsy! How fun!!
I was just visiting with a neighbor this morning about a little road trip.
Our summer heat is sticking around a bit and I’m ready for the taste of true fall before Winter arrives! I’m just like you, Ginger!
Overall, aside from fatigue and waiting for the bone marrow to recover, I’m hanging in there. Concentrating on helping my parents as much as possible, too. It’s all precious and surreal, too.
I’m praying right NOW for you. Little Finley got a trim and a bath and is snoozing right beside me. I’m taking care, Ginger. I pray YOU do, too.
We love you!! I appreciate you!🍁🍂🥰🙏🏻❤️🐾🫶🏻
I love your sense of humor and zest for life, Karla. Your car seems to be hanging in there right along with you! Happy Fall! Enjoy the cooler weather!
Thank you, Dwight! You’re such an encouragement! Your message lifted my spirits! I’m still praying for the cooler weather–summer hit again (but cooler mornings are appreciated!). I pray you are all doing well this October!
You are welcome, my friend. All is well here!
Hello Winnie. Continue to faithfully carry my little sister everywhere she needs to go 🙂
This little sister is so happy to see big brother! I’m sorry it’s taken so long to “drive” back here. Thank you, Matt! Let’s keep putting on our miles! 🥰
A sweet metaphor for hope and direction, Karla. And “Finnie and Winnie” is a winning team if there ever was one❣
Awww. This made my heart and soul smile, dear friend. What a great comment to read, Mitch! Thank YOU! ❤️🙏🏻🐕
yes, I like that metaphor and the car’s name; she is a steadfast and faithful vehicle on your journey through life ; blessings 🙂
Thank you, dear friend! Many blessings to you, John!! 🥰🙏🏻
Happy Fall and Blessed October my Dear Sister ….
God knows when we need a pit stop, and His Grace is always enough to fill us back up.
Praying October brings you renewed Strength, Peace, and many Beautiful adventures. 🙏
You Are Loved
Those are amazing words, Willie! I’m thankful that I can REST in Him and also Live IN Him. I’m learning more and more the older I get that being productive is worthless if I’m not doing what He wants. His Grace is always enough! Amen brother! You’re wise and kind!
I’m praying the same things, right now, for you and yours, dear friend. Love and blessings! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🍁🍂
I love how you compare yourself to Lady Winnie. Happy October, Karla!
Thank you, Jennie! I pray your October is going the best as can be! Much love to you and Gloria from the Finn and I!
You’re welcome, Karla. October is way too busy and way too beautiful. Gloria greets the children on Thursday and Friday.
Hi Karla. I read your post and thought I commented, but apparently not I have never thought of naming my car and I was unaware that there was a day on the calendar for naming your car🤣 Lady Winifred” aka “Winnie” is a great name for your Subaru. Yes we all need checkups on our journey just like a vehicle to keep it in good running order. You have definitely had your share of repairs, but with God’s help you set for new roads, whatever they may be. Your faith is so encouraging. You have traveled rough roads with pot holes and rocks, but you are still driving!
“I am looking forward to autumn adventures with a renewed sense of hope. The golden leaves, the cooler breeze, and the peaceful roads are calling. We might have some outside scars, dings, or dents… but the driver’s seat is secure, and the Navigator knows exactly where we are going.”
I love this!
Love and prayers always🧡🙏🏻🍂🧡🎶☕️🙌🏻🍂🧡
I love this post, Karla: I’m reading it again: I struck a similar metaphoric stance but nowhere near as eloquently as you. Praying for you with renewed vigour. Thinking of your parents too — a big hug from me, a similar traveller into the twilight zone —
‘It is well with your soul’